Summer Peach Popsicles

First, HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!! Although, it has felt like summer here in Texas since the middle of May. Summer is without a doubt my favorite time of the year! Despite the heat, summer bring the best fruits, the best vacation memories and the best birthday... MINE! (June 25th). Today, it is a bit cooler, only around 88 degrees (cooler for Texas) but this summer treat will still hit the spot! 

These past few days have been no joke with the heat index so I thought making popsicles would be a nice cool treat while I lay in AC or the pool. I have a sight obsession with peaches so I keep a bowl full of them during the summer; except when my dad comes to visit, they always disappear. Go Figure! Actually in my photos, I had about 6 in the bowl and 3 "suddenly" went missing after my dad left my apt. 

These are seriously made with things I already keep around the apt such as honey, almond milk, yogurt and fresh fruit. Honestly, this could be made with a wide variety of fruits if your weird and not a peach fan. Totally kidding! Seriously though, make this your own recipe. In fact, I had some blueberries already frozen in the freezer so in a few molds I threw those in too! If you are making these for a toddler under 2 years old, use raw sugar instead of honey as a sweetener. 

A few fun facts about peaches!!

1: Peaches are actually a member of the rose family. 

2: A large peach has less then 70 calories but has about 3 grams of fiber.

3: Peaches are best from June through August 

4: To check for ripeness in a peach, The flesh should have a slight give, but use your whole hand vs. fingertips to check since the fruit bruises so easily. Also, check for an even coloring of golden or creamy yellow.

Now, on to the recipe!

Summer Peach Popsicles 

Ingredients:

- 3 peaches 

- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt or vanilla greek yogurt

- 1/3 cup of honey 

- 1/3 cup of Almond milk 

- dash of vanilla extract 

- dash of salt 

Directions:

1: Cut and Dice the peaches. Place about 1 cup of the diced peaches in a bowl and set aside.

2: Add the remain peaches to the blender with the rest of the ingredients. Blend until smooth.

3: Pour mixture into a bowl (or a large measuring cup which will make it easier to pour into the molds) and add the remaining diced peaches.

4: Divide it evenly among the molds. Found some fun one on amazon. Freeze until solid, usually about 5 hrs.

Enjoy!! 

What are some of your favorite ways to beat the summer heat? 

5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Smoothies

Y'all.....first let me apologize for being absence for awhile. For some strange reason, I thought it was a good idea to work a full time job, take 9hrs worth of credit for my masters degree in ONE semester and live my life. #GeniusMove It should be against the law to have a full time job and get your masters degree. Personally, I think I should get a weekly check until I graduate but enough of my whining.

With the long nights I've recently experienced, it was even more important that my morning smoothie had a little extra "jump" in it to make it through the work day. I am not the nicest person when I'm sleepy AND hungry so my smoothies must be filling, full of energy and tasty. (I get mad at bland food too)

Hi! Im Jerica and I occasionally get Hangry. 

Anywho!! Here are some of my favorite things to add to my morning/afternoon (depends on how I feel) smoothies to make them healthier and full of energy. 

Four Foods With more Vitamin C than Oranges

Man, where do I begin? Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which is a fancy way of saying your body does not store it; so you have to get what you need from your diet. So often the only things you really hear about vitamin c is that it will help cure your cold (totally no true) and oranges are a great source of the vitamin. While oranges do give you a nice little supply of the vitamin, there are actually plenty of other fruits and veggies that give you even more vitamin c per serving.

We're Obsessed Wednesdays

None of these are affiliated posts, we just really really enjoy these products.

New Week, New Obsessions!! 

Hello Loves! Hopefully your week has been going well and we can smell Friday around the corner. This week has been so uneventful but we are excited to share our new obsessions with y'all. Lets get right into it, shall we?

Cherry Berry Smoothie!

Ok, I need your help with something. You know how when you lose weight and you keep checking yourself out in the mirror? How do you pull yourself away? 

Wait...it's just me? Oh. Carry on then. Im just super super super proud of myself for losing 4 pounds so I can pass a mirror, shiny car, window and I'll still check myself out. I feel like I should have a donut for a celebration! Moderation is key people! 

Detoxing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! It's a new year which means it's time for EVERYONE to start their 2 month "weight loss journey". Gyms are packed solid, spinach and kale are sold out of every grocery store, and Instagram models are having sales on Fitness Tea. Since everyone wants the secret to quick weight loss, here it is: WORK OUT AND EAT HEALTHY FOR MORE THAN A WEEK!!!

I'm sure you know that though, after all...you read my post about losing weight and you're aware that consistency is key. However, let's be realistic: the holidays are over and I'm sure more than a few of us may or may not have packed on 1, 2, or 5 pounds over the course of the past 3 months. Don't be ashamed, it happens to the best of us! Now, it's time to get back on track! Let's detox!

Sure, there are a plethora of detox Pins on Pinterest, detox tea sales on Instagram, and Facebook pages from fitness gurus that promise THIS package you pay $19.99 for will help you lose the weight. However, there's one ingredient that has been proven effective time and time again for weight loss: Organic Apple Cider Vinegar! Most people don't realize the many health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV as it's often called:

• The acetic acid in ACV helps lower cholesterol and help kill certain bacteria in your body.
• ACV helps to lower blood sugar and is a great aid for those who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. 
• The amino acids in ACV help to counter fatigue that some may experience from stress.
• Daily consumption of ACV can help aid in weight loss over a period of time. 

One thing to be sure of is that your ACV is pure, organic, unfiltered and still has it's "mother" in it. Mother is what is left over after the fermentation of the vinegar which is why it's so effective and beneficial to your body. It's best to dilute ACV because the high acid content may cause esophageal issues (detox recipe below). The best ACV that is most popular is Bragg's Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. It can be found in just about any grocery store right next to the white vinegar. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your daily detox! Your body will thank you! 

ACV Daily Detox Drink

• 8 ounces of water 
• 2 tbsp of ACV 
• Juice from half a lemon
• A pinch or two of cayenne pepper

*Warning: The taste is not that great, but after a while you'll get used to it! Remember, this is something that will help you in the long run. However, it is NOT a miracle drink. It will not magically make you lose weight. As always, you have to incorporate a healthy lifestyle such as diet and exercise. Also, talk to a physician before doing any detox.  

5 Easy Tips for Portion Control

First off, let me say, I miss all of you! These last few weeks have been insane to say the least so it feels good to finally get back into the swing of things with blogging! With the holidays being in full swing, a friend thought it would be a good idea to discuss portion control, Thanks Mai Lyn!  I, for one, have to really really really really try my hardest during Thanksgiving/Christmas not to over do the eating. I'm going to pretend this is where your nodding your head, saying, "Me too" so I don't feel alone. Haha, seriously though, when people are trying to lose weight or maintain their figure, the first thought goes to exercising like crazy.

Exercising is great for trying to slim down and lose weight, however, combined with portion control with a balance diet, the results can be even more amazing. Just do not confuse portion control with an actually serving size you find on food labels because those are two completely different things. A portion is the actually amount of food you put on your plate. A serving size is specific amount of food defined by common measurements, usually cups or tablespoons.

By understanding portion controls and how to use them, you can have a better understanding of what your putting into your body and how much! Below are a few tips to help you out.

Organic Vs Natural

Have you ever been in the grocery store looking at produce and realize the word"organic" is everywhere? Organic, Organic, Organic. I'm almost positive you hear and see that word several times a week at least. It tends to get thrown around a lot but still, many people are not clear on what exactly this means.

The Dirty Dozen: Foods You Should Consider Buying Organic

Occasionally when your reading or watching the news, you come across a story of produce contamination. I know you have seen them, spinach being recalled because they found traces of E. Coli or strawberries having traces of feces (yeah, disgusting I know). Unfortunately this is what you have to deal with when you don't grow your own produce in your back yard. You relying on someone else to provide you and your family with good quality clean food. The Dirty Dozen list came about because many experts felt that people should understand which kinds of produce have the most pesticide contamination.

My New Obsession: Belvita Breakfast Biscuits Review

OK, I am fully aware that these biscuits have been out for a number of years but I just recently found these bad boys and decided to try them a few week ago. Seriously, I was in the grocery store like "What can i possible get for a super quick breakfast?" I don't know about y'all but nearly 2-3 times a week, I just do not have time to make breakfast in the morning. Most of the time, Sleep wins. Who am I kidding, sleep wins all the time. Any who, while in the cookie aisle looking for something I do not need, I stumbled upon these little gems.

Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

*No pumpkins were harmed in the making of this recipe, because there is no actual pumpkin in it*

First, let me start by saying that I am extremely glad it is finally the weekend. This week has been trying to say the least and I just want to relax.  Hopefully you guys had a much better week then I did. This recipe came from sheer laziness and trying to use a produce before it spoils. It never fails, I can never buy the correct amount of bananas for the week. Usually when I don't buy enough, I run out BUT if I buy too much, they start to spoil. So, here I am with 3 bananas practically black because I'm too lazy and too cheap to chunk them. Haha!

How I Changed My Eating Habits With Weight Watchers Online

*This post and this blog is not affiliated with Weight Watchers in any type of way. This is solely my experience with the company. I am not being paid for this post (although that would be nice), nor am I getting any other benefits. :)

August 2012 vs. May 2013
33 lbs down.

Many people have asked me about my Weight Loss Journey and how I was able to lose almost 50 pounds in a span of  2 years. To that I always answer, "eating right and exercise......OH and Weight Watchers!" I don't have a problem telling people that I needed extra help in losing weight because honestly, it's just not that easy!

When you come from a culture that loves food and is rich with flavorful dishes that are not always the healthiest, it's hard to steer away from what you've always known and begin to choose better options. My family has a saying, "We meet to eat!" because we do! That's just us and honestly, I wouldn't change it for the world. However, what happens when your life starts to revolve around food and that food is causing you to swell up and your arms are bigger than before, your favorite pair of jeans don't fit, you're out of breath after walking up one flight of stairs? That was me at 20 years old and I realized it was do or die. It really was time to make a change.

Meal Prep for Beginners

*No affiliation with any products mention, I just really enjoy using them*

As I said in 6 Tips for Packing a Cost Effective Heathy Lunch, Meal prepping on Sundays is an awesome way to have your lunch already prepared for the week. Personally, this saves me a ton of time during the week because I'm not scrambling around trying to find some unhealthy place to eat during lunchtime. Here are a few tips for you if you have never meal prepped before.

6 Tips for Packing a Cost Effective Heathy Lunch

Is it just me or does it seem like life gets busier during the fall and winter months? For me, it just seems as if all the sudden I have so much more to do. Even my friends with kids and families, Im exhausted just listening to them tell everything that is coming up. Sadly, the first thing to go during these busy months is a home cooked meal and a nice healthy packed lunch.

While I'm fully aware it is very hard to stay focused on packing a healthy lunch and it is not easy to stay motivated to do so. The keyword here is going to be motivation. Not your gym motivation because that motivation just doesn't work for most of us; my gym motivation be like "Girl...if you don't stay on this couch..." (Remind me to kick her to the curb ASAP). Im talking about real motivation, like the kind you use to make your life better financially or the kind you use to motivate your children. Be motivated to provide yourself with the best possible lifestyle. To give you a good head start, Ive got 6 tips here to help to pack an awesome lunch!

1. Make Enough Dinner For Leftovers

This is by far the easiest tip and I'm sure the one you hear most often. When your preparing dinner, make enough to pack for your lunch tomorrow then go ahead and pack it in your lunch containers. Sure it is a little more extra work BUT it saves you so much time in the morning! That way, if your like me, you can enjoy that nice hot cup of coffee a little bit longer. 

2. Cook The Meals For Your Lunch on Sunday 

Personally, this is what I do when I am prepping my lunches for the week. Since it is just me, often times I'm super lazy and just make enough dinner for me. Cooking is super relaxing to me and Sunday afternoons are just slow enough so I can take my time to make a good meal. You don't even have to prep for the whole week; usually, I make enough lunch for Monday through Wednesday. Then Weds night, I will make a larger meal so that will be my lunch for the last two days of the week. 

3. Write Out A Packing List 

If your anything like me, I am not a morning person. My brain does not function well until around 9am so my memory is super foggy. I have to lay out my clothes at night before bed or I will forget what I had planned to wear. I know, it's bad but judgement shall not be passed.   Many times I have to make a list before bed of what all to grab out the fridge for lunch. It helps me tremendously and it saves me a morning headache. 

4. Have Backups Lunches Ready

I can be very indecisive sometimes so there have been times where what I prepped on Sunday, I am not really feeling on Wednesday. That is why I always keep some freezer meals ready. Usually it is a casserole I've portioned out or some kind of homemade soup. This saves me from scrambling the night before trying to throw something together. 

5. Don't Force Yourself 

Please whatever you do, do not force yourself to eat something you really don't care for just because it's "healthy". I rarely have a salad for lunch simple because I don't care for it nor does it actually fill me up. I don't know about y'all but who be mad and hungry around 3pm is me with a salad. 

6. Make a Smarter Sandwich

Sometimes you have to go old school with a good ol sandwich and thats ok; just be smart about it! Instead of white bread go with a honey whole wheat (my fav) or 100% whole wheat bread. use tortilla to make wraps instead. Usually we do lettuce and tomato, switch it up, try shredded carrots or sliced apple with turkey meat. Swap out hummus for cheese or avocado for mayo. Got leftover chicken? Use that!

My Bad Eating Habits

As a Nutritionist and a Public Health Worker, I have my fair share of healthy eating habits. Those same habits I share with my clients and anybody who is seeking a healthier lifestyle. However, as I've stated before, I am nowhere near perfect and I have my fair share of not so good eating habits. Im well aware of what I should be choosing to munch on buuuuuuuuuut I'm human and sometimes I need a sugar fix. or a salty fix. or both. I just thought i would share some of my not-so-good-habits in effort to A) Help me break them and B) to show you I'm human as well.

15 Reasons Why You Should Be Drinking Lemon Water!

Lemons have always been super popular for their skin rejuvenating properties. Usually by bring a nice glow to the skin. Did you also know that when you add lemon to warm water, the power of the lemon increases so much more! 

Detox Water: The Benefits You're Missing Out On

Whether you call it detox water, fruit infused water or spa water, you know there's something that has to be healthy (and tasty) about these infused waters that everybody's talking about. Well, this is the one time you should go against what your mom taught you and follow the crowd!

If you're trying to lose weight, rid your body of toxins, better hydrate yourself, or you just need a different flavor for your water, detox water is definitely a must in your daily regimen. Some benefits include:

• Boosts your energy and metabolism.
• Rids your body of excess toxins.
• Improves your skin.
• Helps promote weight loss.
• Keeps you and your organs hydrated. (Duh! It's water!)

Four Vitamins and Minerals Every Woman Needs

One thing that all health professionals can agree on is that women need a certain amount of nutrition that our bodies simply cannot make on our own. Obviously, the best source of essentials nutrients are complete whole foods. We get a good variety of vitamins and minerals through the foods we consume, assuming your're getting a balanced diet. The problem is that we are not 100% sure our nutrients are coming solely from healthy eating. Thank goodness for supplements!

When used correctly, supplements are the perfect sidekick in aiding us when we are not getting adequate amounts of nutrition.  However, with certain vitamins, you can the correct amount you need!

Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Fire-Roasted Corn Tacos Recipe

I have a slight obsession with Tex-Mex and Italian food, especially Mexican food! Seriously, I could eat a taco everyday for lunch and have enchilada everyday for dinner. There are very few things I don’t like smothered in cumin, salsa and put between a tortilla. However, the reality is that eating that type of food is not good for the waistline AT ALL. I know, reality can really suck sometimes. Good news is, this recipe can give you that comfortable feeling you get from Tex-Mex but you don’t feel so guilty afterwards!

The Frustration with Food Labels

Is it just me or does it seem like every other new item in the grocery store is now chalked full of something “healthy”? Seriously, every time I turn around in a store the words “Full of Fiber”, “Made with Whole Grains” and “Excellent source of Calcium” are screaming at me from multiple boxes. (Inserts eye-roll) Let me tell you all the real deal, if a box has to convince you it is healthy, more than likely, it’s really not.